Season's Greetings from the Department of Tourism
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The U.S. Virgin Islands is among the trendiest locations in which to usher in 2019. According to travel website KAYAK's Holiday Travel Hacker, the USVI is the No. 6 Trending New Year's Eve Destination for travelers this season, with a 25 percent increase in web searches about the U.S. Virgin Islands. The latest international thumbs-up comes fast on the heels of recent news that St. Thomas has been ranked the No. 1 Caribbean destination on Airbnb - with a 600 percent increase in bookings over last year.
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As travelers look to escape from the cold this winter, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is supporting the Territory's private sector partners with the relaunch of a $3 million marketing campaign to stimulate travel to St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas in the coming months. The highly anticipated 'Real Nice' advertising campaign is back in full flight, after being on hiatus during Fiscal Year 2017-2018 due to the devastating impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The 'Real Nice' production, which consisted of close to 100 percent on-island talent and crew, gives consumers a look inside the Virgin Islands lifestyle and how it can transform a vacation into a distinct cultural experience.
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Virgin Islands Port Authority Update
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The Virgin Islands Port Authority’s contractor, Lemartec, continues construction of a new roof for the Cyril E. King International Airport Terminal. The entire 240,000-square foot roof will be replaced with a metal and two-ply membrane roof, which is scheduled to be completed at the end of February. The Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix will have its permanent roof repairs completed by the end of March. Multimillion-dollar modernization plans for both airports were recently unveiled to the community.
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The Territory will benefit from increased airlift this winter season with the inauguration of Spirit Airlines from Orlando, while American Airlines and other carriers boost their operations. Earlier this year, Spirit started nonstop flights three times weekly between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and St. Croix (STX) and recently commenced service between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas (STT) with three flights a week.
Meanwhile, American Airlines - which currently serves St. Croix and St. Thomas with flights twice daily from Miami to both destinations - began daily service between St. Thomas and Charlotte from November 4, 2018. The carrier will also resume flights between Philadelphia and St. Thomas on December 19, and between New York and St. Thomas on December 22.
United Airlines will offer daily nonstop service between Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and St. Thomas this winter, while JetBlue Airways will resume its daily Boston-St. Thomas route between February 14 and April 22, 2019.
Delta Air Lines will continue serving St. Thomas with flights from New York and Atlanta as well as between Atlanta and St. Croix.
Seaborne Airlines and Cape Air will increase service to St. Croix to help meet the demand for travel to the island this winter season. The San Juan-St. Croix route will see an increase in flights, beginning in December. The additional flights during the peak winter season will significantly eclipse the 100 seats lost with the discontinuation of daily JetBlue Airways service effective January 8, 2019.
JetBlue will continue to provide service to St. Thomas from San Juan this winter.
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St. Thomas air capacity currently sits at around 10,000 seats weekly, representing about 50 percent of the capacity for the same period in 2017. St. Croix’s air capacity is currently more than 5,000 seats weekly, which is slightly higher than the same period in 2017.
The forecast for Winter 2018/2019 projects St. Thomas’ air capacity to rise to 16,000+ seats weekly and St. Croix to be more than 6,000 seats weekly.
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The historic Company House Hotel in downtown Christiansted, St. Croix has completed its major renovation. Under the multimillion-dollar upgrade, the boutique property’s 33 rooms have been renovated along with conference and meeting space, the lobby and pool area, which features the artwork of award-winning glassmaker Jan Mitchell. The upgrade, which includes a new bar and lounge, pays tribute to the building’s history while offering new comforts and amenities to guests. For more information, visit
www.HotelCompanyHouse.com.
The Ritz-Carlton Club, St. Thomas welcomed its first members and guests back to the resort in September. Upon reopening, members and guests were able to enjoy the pool, hot tubs, beach, Coconut Cove restaurant and resort activities. The Grand Palazzo Club has since reopened. The landscaping at The Ritz-Carlton Club, St. Thomas was a welcome sight for members and guests, having been redesigned and replaced to better than its original splendor. Members and guests also had the benefit of seeing the outcome of other major projects that were completed prior to reopening, including the installation of new elevators and two new generators, painting of the buildings' exteriors and replacing and repairing air conditioning units, doors and gutters.
The grand re-opening of Point Pleasant Resort in St. Thomas will be held on December 17, 2018. The resort is under new management headed by Virgin Islander Jahmed Mills, who began his career in the hotel industry at Marriott Frenchman’s Reef. He joins Point Pleasant after serving as the General Manager of French Leave Resort on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas since 2016. Mills has a vision to position Point Pleasant as a go-to place for meetings, weddings, and other special events. Mirador (the former Agave restaurant space) and Shoreline Bar and Grille (the former Fungi’s space) have both been renovated. For further information, visit
www.pointpleasantresort.com
or call 340-775-7200.
Congratulations to
The Buccaneer Hotel
for being recognized among the region’s premier resorts by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. The well-known property in St. Croix is among the top 20 resorts in The Caribbean Islands: Readers' Choice Awards 2018. This rating stems from readers ranking their top regional resorts.
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Charlotte Amalie Revitalization
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The revitalization of St. Thomas’ historic Charlotte Amalie will soon include an exciting new attraction - a mixed-use facility at the landmark “360 building” at Yacht Haven Grande Marina. In addition to harbor water transportation as well as Veterans Highway and Main Street improvement projects, these developments will enhance the visitor experience, streamline movement in this important hub, and further stimulate economic activity, making the USVI even more attractive to visit, work and live.
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Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association President Michele Paige and other FCCA executives joined members of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism in experiencing the wonders of St. Croix. Among the highlights of the group’s visit was “Hanging with the Locals”, a tour that showcases some of the island’s most authentic and memorable Crucian art, crafts, food and delicacies, and other experiences. Throughout the Territory, tour operators, vendors and industry stakeholders are investing in enhancing the USVI experience for cruise ship passengers.
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A strong contingency of tour operators, entrepreneurs and suppliers from the U.S. Virgin Islands complemented Department of Tourism and Ports of the Virgin Islands representatives at the 25th Annual FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show held in San Juan. At a special luncheon workshop, vendors and cruise line shore excursion overseers exchanged information, ideas and updates about some of the Territory’s visitor attractions, ranging from soft adventure to museums, botanical gardens, art galleries and tours.
On the second Sunday of December, we extended a warm Virgin Islands welcome to cruise ship passengers arriving on all three of our islands. On St. Croix, Celebrity Summit docked at the pier in Frederiksted, Sea Dream II arrived on St. John, and Windstar’s Star Pride pulled into Havensight on St. Thomas. The passengers and crew visiting our Territory had a wonderful time experiencing that we are
#USVIRealNice
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In-Market Events, Trade Shows and Conferences
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Representatives from the Department of Tourism have been promoting the Territory and its offerings at industry events, trade shows and conferences.
Over the Labor Day weekend, the Department of Tourism was active in the New York metropolitan area, supporting Virgin Islanders United’s Caribbean Cultural Fest, interacting with members of the Virgin Islands diaspora and getting the word out that the Territory is open for business. Thousands of Virgin Islanders, Caribbean-Americans and New Yorkers attended the cultural celebration in Harlem, which featured food, music, family fun, mocko jumbies and plenty of VI spirit.
Travel agents attending the New Jersey chapter meeting of SKAL received an in-person update on the Territory’s status with regard to airlift, accommodations, attractions and activities. Approximately 30 agents were present and were pleased to learn that the USVI is “Open for Business”.
The Department of Tourism interacted with dozens of travel agents in the Boston, New York and Washington, DC markets during Classic Vacations' Partner Appreciation events which were held on September 25, September 26, and October 12, respectively. Travel advisors received updated information about the Territory’s accommodations, airlift, activities and attractions. In addition, the Department hosted informative “lunch and learn” events for travel agents in New Jersey, Washington, DC and Houston, Texas to provide current information to these key hospitality partners.
A representative from the Department of Tourism attended Northstar Meeting Group's Destination Caribbean held at the SLS Baha Mar in the Bahamas. The Department held one-on-one appointments and attended networking events to share updates on the Territory’s future and current position within the meetings market.
Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty
shared updates on the Territory and its recovery efforts on a panel discussion in Barbados during the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) 2018 annual convention. Over 200 journalists attended the convention and during her short, but productive time there, Commissioner Nicholson-Doty also met with Jane Wooldridge of the Miami Herald and shared how the people of the Virgin Islands have poured their love into rebuilding their home.
Representatives from the Department of Tourism attended Circle of Sisters - the largest expo for women of color in New York City. The team promoted the destination's "Open for Business" message and distributed locally made products such as tarts, hot sauces, bush teas and seasonings to the attendees.
The Department of Tourism had a presence at this year’s Miami Broward Carnival to promote the destination to the thousands of revelers from the Caribbean Diaspora, as well as Virgin Islanders in attendance. During the festivities, representatives shared promotional items as well as discussed the destination’s offerings and updates.
A representative from the Department of Tourism attended the HPN Global Partner Conference in November where appointments were held with HPN meeting planners. Thank you to Bill Kilburg, HPN Global Chairman and CEO, and Desi Whitney, Senior VP of Sourcing and Hotel Relations, for their support and for playing an important role in our MICE efforts.
The Department of Tourism executed an in-market activation in Orlando to celebrate the launch of Spirit Airlines flights from Orlando to St. Thomas last month. Passengers at Orlando International Airport (MCO) were greeted by tourism representatives, steel pan music, carnival dancers and a celebratory cake to commemorate the opening of this important gateway to St. Thomas. The team also hosted an event for meeting planners and media in the Central Florida market.
A representative of the Department of Tourism attended the TEAMS Conference and Expo in Louisville, Kentucky to meet with CEOs, executive directors and event managers from sports organizations. The sports group market promises to be a strong market for the destination.
Representatives of the Department of Tourism and St. Thomas-based destination management company Island Meetings & Incentives, Inc. attended IMEX 2018 in Las Vegas. Together they hosted over 60 appointments with Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Exhibition buyers during the two-day trade show.
More than 10,000 consumers attended the Quality Travel Fair three-day annual event in Copenhagen. Organized by Denmark’s largest travel magazine VAGABOND, the show included one day of Business-to-Business meetings and two days that were open to the public. Attendees who had never visited were extremely interested in getting information about traveling to the Territory and discussing the historic relationship between Denmark and the Virgin Islands. Hotel partners in attendance included Antilles Resorts, Cottages by the Sea, Sand Castle on the Beach.
In January, the Department of Tourism will have a presence at the New York Times Travel Show in New York City and Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Jamaica.
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As part of Afya’s Luggage for Life program, Jill Lathrum traveled from Denver to St. Thomas to deliver a duffel bag filled with medical supplies to the Lucinda A. Millin Home in St. Thomas. Ms. Lathrum and her family have visited the U.S. Virgin Islands regularly for several years and were pleased to support the Territory following last year’s hurricanes, including participating in the Adopt-A-Family and Adopt-A-School programs. Luggage for Life is a component of Purpose in Paradise, the Department of Tourism’s voluntourism program. Information on Purpose in Paradise can be found here:
www.purposeinparadise.org
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The Department of Tourism is proud to support events that help to strengthen our communities and highlight the many positive goings-on in the Territory.
St. Croix Triathlon
Nearly 200 swimmers, cyclists and runners competed in St. Croix's 2018 Triathlon, Beauty & The Beast, held on December 2. Continuing St. Croix's 30-year old tradition of hosting triathlons, community spirit and pride were on display throughout the day as friends and family, volunteers, sponsors, medical staff, media, race organizers, VIPD, race "legends" and many others cheered on the participants.
Lechon Festival
The Crucian community came out to celebrate the Annual Lechon Festival at Armapavie Ballpark this month. Patrons enjoyed a variety of smoky, sweet and succulent meats as well as other treats - ranging from fresh fruits and juices to traditional pates and johnny cakes. A dominoes tournament and live musical entertainment added to the day’s enjoyment.
Paradise Jam
After a year’s absence, the U.S. Virgin Islands welcomed the return of the Paradise Jam college basketball tournament. We extend a special thank you to Basketball Travelers, Inc. for standing with us as we continue to welcome groups back to the Territory.
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Building upon almost $100 million in public relations value earned during FY 2017-2018, the Department will continue to strengthen its media relations activities and will host a number of writers for upcoming events, including next year's Agrifest in February. Plans are also in the works to host journalists for a Territory-wide voluntourism trip, as well as "girls getaway" and social influencer trips in the new year.
Recent media visits included an intra-Caribbean press trip to St. Thomas and St. John in partnership with LIAT - The Caribbean Airline. Journalists from Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago, along with
LIAT
representatives, came to experience the U.S. Virgin Islands via the airline's nonstop service from Antigua. The group explored many facets of the destination, including a historical walking tour of Charlotte Amalie and a beach “lime” at Trunk Bay.
In November a group of social influencers visited St. Thomas and St. John to coincide with Spirit Airlines’ inaugural service from Orlando to St. Thomas. Highlights of the visit included a culinary journey on the St. Thomas Food Tour, a day trip to St. John, as well as a visit to Yacht Haven Grande Marina to take in the action during the VI Charter Yacht Show.
The Department of Tourism hosted a contingent of writers to cover “Beauty and the Beast”, St. Croix’s Triathlon, which was held in early December. In addition to engaging with race participants and organizers, the journalists were able to experience many unique aspects of St. Croix’s history and culture, including an authentic, local culinary experience at Corine’s Food Truck.
Representatives from the Department continue to share destination updates with the media by conducting interviews, participating in panel discussions and attending industry conferences.
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Congratulations to Virgin Islander and baker extraordinaire Jamal Lake who made it to the finals of Food Network’s Halloween Baking Competition, where he wowed the judges with his creative culinary talents. Jamal is co-owner of Ganache Bakery Cafe in West Palm Beach, Florida, which has a devoted following of fans who love the delicious creations and custom-made cakes for all occasions.
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Chef, boxer and author Julius Jackson is on a journey to showcase U.S. Virgin Islands cuisine to cities across the country. From Miami to Chicago and New York, he is introducing food lovers and members of the media to his personal interpretation of our local cuisine as he promotes his cookbook – My Modern Caribbean Kitchen: 70 Fresh Takes on Island Favorites.
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Talented Virgin Islanders Eljhaie Brathwaite and Ronald Lee Jr. (left and right, respectively, in the video clip) brought VI Nice style to the screening of “Timeless: A Virgin Islands Love Story” in New York City. The film was shown at the opening of the 26th annual African Diaspora International Film Festival, and showcased the gifts of Virgin Islander Ed La Borde Jr. - who wrote, produced and directed the film - as well as a cast of talent from the USVI.
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Celebrate the holidays VI Style!
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Rising Stars Youth Orchestra Christmas Concert
The Rising Stars Youth Orchestra Christmas Concert is one of the “must attend” holiday events on the island of St. Thomas. The sweet sounds of steelpan filled the air with Christmas carols and Virgin Islands’ holiday classics at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center on Sunday, December 9. This event has been showcasing young VI talent for over 30 years.
Coquito Festival
The 11th Annual Coquito Festival will take place on the island of St. Croix on Saturday, December 15 at the popular eatery La Reine Chicken Shack. Attendees will get to sample coquito - a traditional, creamy holiday beverage that is often spiked with rum - and made locally on St. Croix and Puerto Rico. There will also be food and live music at the event which begins at noon.
Miracle on Main Street
Main Street on St. Thomas comes alive during this annual holiday event on Friday, December 21. The event, which is sponsored by the St. Thomas and St. John Chamber of Commerce, features food, music, arts, crafts, shopping, as well as a lighted boat parade in historic downtown Charlotte Amalie. Miracle on Main Street is an all-day event from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Crucian Christmas Festival
Visitors are invited to experience the rich heritage and culture St. Croix has to offer during the Crucian Christmas Festival. Started in 1954, this festival is celebrated from December through New Year's. Delicious culinary treats are available in abundance and carnival participants are adorned in an endless variety of madras colors and patterns. The festivities are spread throughout - Christiansted, Frederiksted and plenty in between.
Holiday Playlist
The USVI community came together to share suggestions and vote on the most beloved holiday songs from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Here are some top picks for you to enjoy as we celebrate the season VI Style!
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U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism | 340 774 8784
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